I’m looking for recommendations for 40 SW defense ammo.
I’ve done Search twice w/ no luck.

Weapon is a SW MP 40. I prefer light to mid weight bullets but preference is on
reliability. I won’t shoot it enuff to handload, so a few 50 ct boxes will suffice. I have a 9 mm & a huge supply of 9 mm ammo for practice so that’s covered.

What 40 SW ammo has worked well for you ?


Thanks
Jerry

I use Hornady Critical Defense.

I carry 165gr Winchester Ranger SXT, but they are tough to find. Stocked up a good while back.

The 165gr Gold Dot is my second choice.

Why in this world or anyother world would you even own a 40 S&W when you own the Miraculous Farce know as the 9MM? That is just lunacy. With the atomicness of the atomic 9MM it makes no sense.
Let the Illuminated Illuminati educate you on the lethalness of the most lethal 9MM.
Me as a mere unilluninated unilluminati cannot discribe in a discriptive describing way what you are doing that is heinous.

YOU said you are a Doofus. You proved it.

Irrelevant response.


Jerry

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/#40SW
Take a look at the lucky gunner ammo tests. I'd pick something in the 180gr, Gold Dots or Golden Sabres.

Winchester Ranger-T/PDX-1, Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, Hornady Critical Duty, or Remington Golden Saber. These are premium and perform about the same.

180gr HST handloads at 1058 fps are brutal on meat, shot them into water filled metal coffee cans, and three freezer burnt chickens Wife gave me, holy damn they tore that chit up!

If you can find some factory loads running that speed, you're set for a soft point SD/CCW round.

I've seen 165 grain Golden Sabers, 180 grain Hydra Shocks and 165 & 180 grain Federal HST work on two and four legged recipients. Any of them are plenty effective if you place them well.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it I have a few decent places locally to check on
factory ammo. I can also look into ordering off the net. Shipping will probably
be too steep.

I’ve had 357s and 44s I had trimmed down to my 6906 and have more components than I will live long enuff to shoot.

I didn’t have any idea of where to start with 40 factory. Y’all have given me good options
to start.

Thank you.

Jerry

Border patrol used a 155 jhp with good success. I like 180 gold dots or hst

Words to the wise: "When you catch an adjective, kill it!"

~ Mark Twain

I use 165gr HST in my M&P40 2.0. I also have 1000 rounds of 180gr HST for when I run out of 165s.

Hard to go wrong these days. Winchester rangers by their various names, plus HST's, Gold Dots, Golden Sabres. Pick yer choice of whatever is on sale. As many have said I prefer the 180's as well. They penetrate more consistently in just about all the above bullets and will deflect less if they hit something in front of the vitals. You've got a caliber that will throw a nice heavy bullet with a high sectional density, why not use it? Unless your sights are regulated to 165. That's a good reason. But I would not go less than 165.

Dunno if Walmart still carries it, but you'll want a couple of 100 rd. Winchester FMJ for practice and reliability testing your gun if you just got it. 200 rd. minimum to check for malfunctions.

I read an article years ago about their bullet weight trials, I can’t remember why the chose the 155. I think most agencies carry the 180 grain weight.

Maybe somewhere can dig up that article.

Take a look at the police trade in ammo at Sportmans Outdoor Super Store.
I picked up a few boxes of Winchester ultra-nasty & Speer Gold Dot at 50 cents/dollar of new.
I'm shooting an M&P40 Compact 2.0 4" and 180's feel pretty good.
I was shooting whatever was cheapest for plinking, which was Blazer Brass 180gr FMJ from my local BiMart $12.97/50 on sale (once a month).

I'm down to two 40 S&W chambered guns that don't see a lot of use, but I use win Ranger-T 155's or Fed HST 165's.

MM

Columbus Ohio PD used 180 grain HST for 12 years before switching to 9mm in 2019. Very good track record for Stops on bad guys. I still carry it in my 40s.

Ron

I use Federal 155 gr HST.

Just happened to be the most accurate of the ammo tested and shot to the sights for my H&K USP...so that is what I use for factory ammo.

I like Underwood Ammo

Is there a bad 40 cal load. Sure some might be better then others but...

For defensive use there are law enforcement loads at <$30 per 50. For making holes in paper there is Russian ammo. One should break handgun into four parts and clean and lube about every 500 rounds anyway.

THANKS to ALL of you for your recommendations.

Yes, I picked up the pistol today but I found some ammo for starters on Tuesday.
The weapon is a S W, M&P 40.
It's been shot VERY little. I got the Orig. box w/owners manual and Xtra mag. = $ 300. OTD

For starters I picked up some
S & B 180 gr FMJ = 12.99 / 50,...... practice rounds

Hornady Critical Defense 165 FTX = $24.99 / 20 defense/offense rounds LOL


Now I have time to look around for cheaper practice/plinking and

I'll make a list of the BETTER rounds y'all have suggested for defense.


I have LOTS of experience with 357s, 9mm, & 44 Mag. This little gun and the 40 SW I expect will have noticeable recoil.
I'm not afraid of it. My VERY first handgun was a Ruger SBHK 44 Mag so I'm used to it.

I really appreciate all of your participation. I'll continue to watch for other recommends.

Thanks Again

Jerry

Well J Wall you can want all the lwt loads there is but unless your gun has elev adj rear sight most 40's I've had with fixed elev rear sights are targeted for 180 gr bullets at combat ranges. Start at Wallyworld with factory Federal 180 gr truncated flat point FMJ's, shoot really nice in my CZ's abo $17/50 you can thank me when you try them and see the light. MB

Recoil Gunworks

FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 40 S&W 155GR JHP [RG-P40HS2]
AVAILABILITY: IN STOCK YOUR PRICE:$26.95 $9.99

Bob, I understand. Today will be my FIRST time to shoot it.
The M & P is fixed sighted so that is that.
It is my Personal Defense weapon, so I'm not concerned about distance.

IF, IF I have to use it < and I HOPE I don't > it will be Up Close & Personal ----NO aiming needed! ! And I'm WILLING.

Thanks

Jerry

Thank You, I'll check it out.

Jerry

First Range Report, S W, M & P, 40 SW

Using S & B 180 FMJ and H Critical Defense 165 FTX

Distance 15 good steps. -> Happy Camper

I have a dirt pile with a few rocks for smaller targets and a Wood firewood block and Flat Metal plate @ 12' X 12".

The M & P was pleasant to shoot with both ammo. First 2 shots were low so I adjusted my AIM.
My 9mm, 147 gr CCI Gold Dots were punching THRU the wood block.
The 40, 180 FMJ were Rocking the block no pun intended. ?,

The 9 147s splattered on the metal with a small dent.
The 40 180 FMJ made LARGER dents.

I didn't shoot MANY of the 165 FTX because of the $$.
I shot small rocks, @ 4" oblong, and EITHER hit or rolled them.

Using the 180 FMJ, I shot some Double Tap and Triple Tap on the wood & metal > SCORE, no misses.



The magazineS for the M & P were DIFFICULT to load. ?? Don't know why.
My S-W 6906 mags ARE much easier to load. ??

ALL IN ALL, I'm completely satisfied ! Will start looking for CHEAPER ammo.

Thanks Again for Y'alls Help.

Jerry

Here's the answer to your loading difficulties.... https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2136952670

And look here for..... https://www.sgammo.com/catalog/pistol-ammo-sale/40-cal-ammo

SGammo offers bonded JHPs from government contract overrun at <$20 per 50. That is impossible to beat.

THANKS to both of you. Slavek & win 70.

I will check into both.


Jerry

Another quick word about the 180gr HST's at 1055 fps, after Wife gave me the three freezer burnt chickens, I had them pretty well thawed, she also does arts and crafts work and saves the big net bags onions and potatoes come in, I got one of those from her, put the dogs up, placed the chickens in the bag and wrapped em up tight, bellied out of the back porch and slammed them with three rounds.

A quick back porch autopsy was very telling, massive damage to the contents, only chickens yes, but, still fun with a lot of fresh provided media to study, no bullet recoveries, chunked the birds over the back pasture fence for the coyotes, let the dogs back out to mop the back porch, fun morning all around.

180’s are the most pleasant to shoot, especially out of my Glock 27.

It sorta depends on the 180, even with FMJ. Tula is real soft shooting; Speer Lawman is generally loaded to duty ammo velocities.

I've got a case of the Lawman coming along with some Ranger T in the same weight. I'll clock them both from my G27 when I get a chance.

jw - I am not familiar with Underwood. I've been on Midway and all they offer is 20 ct. boxes

I found:

Rem UMC 180 HP . 20.99/---- <SORRY 50 can't divide EARLY

Win 180 Bonded HP 22.49/---- < SORRY 50 can't divide EARLY
-----------------------------^^^^^^.....BEST $$


Also found Hornady Critical Defense 165 HP - 24.99/ 20 . . . SAME as locally!!



Tell me about these JHP from Government contracts. ^^^^ please.


Check EDIT on no. count ***
Thnx

Jerry

I haven't been able to check ALL of y'alls suggestions.

In MY area those S & B FMJ @ $13. /50 rd is the cheapest I've found locally.
The H C D 165 HPs are priced the same in other places & Midway.

< SO FAR - Midway's W W 180 JHP @ 22.50 - per 50 ct is the best price I've found on H Ps. >


I did pick up an "Inside the Pant Holster for $ 18.00. Leather out - nylon lined.


*** In my best outlet they were well stocked in Rifle powders... EXCEPT for Rl 26.
They had a good selection of IMR, Hodgd., Rl, & Superformance powders. ****

Still Looking.

Jerry

Sounds like alotta Fun. I might try that.
I frequently see DEAD deer on the roadside not far from the house > Good test media.
* Necks, * shoulders * hams.

Thanks for the idea.

Jerry

The 165 JHP Critical Defense & 180 FMJ S & B are the only 2 I have shot so far.
I didn't notice any diff in recoil or 'handleability' . MAYBE ? the 165 are hotter and making up for less weight ? ?

After I get more ammo - don't know yet which - I'll be able to chrono mine in my gun and see what's what.

Thanks Again


Jerry

You're quiet welcome JWall , almost as much fun as I had near 10 years ago when she gave me a freezer burnt turkey, I cut loose on that thing with a 9mm chunking 115gr Barnes hp's at 1250 fps, the dogs got the cleanup job on that one too!

I discovered these this AM.
These deer pills are IN 40 S W range.



Back Up 3 steps -->



The A C unit for my house & bedroom. LOL

Dang, you may as well remove that screen and put a set of ear plugs in the window sill waiting on fall ; ] if I were contemplating using my 40 on deer, I'd use the 200gr XTP with Longshot load at 1050 fps, have NO doubts on it shooting completely through a deer.

No I hadn't even THOT about shooting a deer with the M&P.
What did cross my mind was 'jokingly' thinking for Self Defense > about to come in bedroom.

I'm sure the 180 FMJs would penetrate fully too. I have had deer close enuff to shoot with a 40 SW.....SO I might consider packing it when hunting and IF......

That whole thing snowballed yesterday. Here we are at the end of Feb and I hadn't done any Spring clean up. So.....




I don't remember what shrub that is but you can see it's been topped in years past - 2 yrs last time - it grows back too
fast. Yes, I used a Stihl for pruning.


*** these pix will be deleted in a few weeks. I'm managing my pic count on imjur.
PhotoPUKEIT did NOT tell me there was a limit on pix for Free hosting.....UNTIL I was way over the limit. I don't think there
was a max when I started with them. They have greatly reduced the monthly fee since there was a backlash from
users. --> too late AFAIC. They can suck it.


Jerry

Monday I posted:
I did pick up an "Inside the Pant Holster for $ 18.00. Leather out - nylon lined.

Complete package:




Jerry

Ammo Update & Summary:

I checked out all the ammo that y'all have recommended *that I could find*.

1. I have the S B 180 FMJ / 50 @ 13.00 locally, no shipping.

2. The Fed HY Shok 155 HP = $ 9.99 is for 20 ct. SO 50 would be $ 30.00 plus S-H

3. ALL the others 180 JHPs were $ 20. -- 30. for 50 ct. + S-H

4. *** I ordered 100 ( 2, 50 ct boxes) W W 180 Bonded JHP / $ 22.50
.... with a 50.00 order S H was free. ***
Free S H helps reduce $$$


I also drug out this Pistolero I've had longer than I can remember, somewhere in the 80s.
I've only used it with revolvers so this will be a new experience with semi auto.




I have a neighbor who was also a school mate that's into handguns. We plan to get together Sat or ASAP and
shoot for ACCURACY using the Pistolero.
I'm going to compare the
Hornady Critical Defense - 165 JHP
W W Bonded - 180 JHP > and
S B 180 FMJ

** I want to thank GIBBY who said the 40 SW should die, in Hunting Rifles forum ** He stirred my pot. LOL


Using my 6906 for defense only.... It's been several years since I've done serious Target Shooting with a semi.
This 40 SW and MP 40 has stirred up my interest in pistol shooting.

Later He & I will do some chronographing. That'll be interesting !!

Jerry

Nice. Like your choices.

Thnx Ethan.

I’m in a whole new world with the 40.
I’m liking it.

Jerry

40 S W Factory Ammo Test:

We had a very good morning for shooting so my friend came and we both shot some handguns.

We sat up our targets at 15 steps.
The M P 40 does have an adjustable 'rear' sight for windage. That's good because ALL the ammo shot to the L.
We both used the Pistolero


He really liked the Pistolero and I sent him a Pic & link for it at Midway. The new ones are $27.50. I was surprised they were that cheap. I think they're worth it.


The Hornady Critical Defense 165 JHP shot MORE left than the others.
The groups were NOT terrible but NOT as good as I hoped. Certainly good enuff for S D.

The S & B 180 FMJs actually grouped pretty well altho to the L as well.
I have plenty of those and will be doing more testing as I adjust the rear sight. They are the cheapest as well at 13.00/ 50.

I was pleasantly surprised that the MP 40 liked the W W 180 Bonded JHP.
They grouped better than the other 2 brands AND closer to Center, but still Left.
At $ 22.50 per 50 the W W are reasonable.

Since I can shoot in my pasture I'll be doing more as the WX permits.
I will also be shooting solo, and will use a Single Target for Each brand. After adjustment, I HOPE to get some decent groups to post.

I could determine something today shooting off the Pistolero that I didn't notice shooting off hand.
The 40 SW in the MP does have more recoil than my 6906 with 115 JHP handloaded to factory vel. Not surprising and certainly not uncontrolable. (sp)

Still a fun morning.

Jerry

Latest Update: Hit A Snag.

After finding a 1/16" allen wrench for the set screw on the rear sight. First wrench twisted like a pretzel. Second one
was hardened and finally broke the screw loose.

Yesterday I gathered ALL my stuff to shoot and adjust windage. Sat up target, sat up Pistolero, got tools handy,
got ammo arranged for shooting..........

THEN the rear sight would NOT move ! I got a brass punch and hammer..... STILL wouldn't move <

RATZ ! I'll take it to a G smith next.

I RE arranged my target because I knew it was shooting L, 3 - 4 ", I wanted to see how much.




This time I was at 16 good steps. I chose the W W 180 JHPS. I shot the first 3 at the top of the target and a Cousin walked up in my pasture. I hadn't seen him in 1-2 yrs, so we visited a bit. Broke my concentration.
The 4 th shot was top L then the 5 th went into the orange dot.

I'm not disappointed YET. Haven't had the gun long and it doesn't have a Target trigger <
AND it's a S D weapon and I can hit by point and shoot at close range. More Later.

BaDa BaDa, that's all folks.

Jerry

BUMP >> for Colodog' s thread